Call Us Today
Evidence Law 101 – How Does Evidence Work in Court?
Editor's Note: This post was last updated on August 22, 2023
When facing charges or otherwise dealing with a court or tribunal in a civil claim, presenting evidence and dealing with evidence is of utmost importance. The evidence can change the course of the case for or against you, which is why it's especially critical to get it right. Just because a party makes legal claims, you cannot succeed in those claims without evidence to support them. Keep in mind that different types of evidence don't hold equal significance during a trial.
To successfully present evidence necessary to support your case, you must first understand its many layers and intricacies and the rules around presenting evidence.
Here is a simple guide to presenting the different types of evidence if you are facing an Australian Court.
What are the different types of evidence?
There are several types of evidence that can be used to support a claim or argument in court. Here are some common types:
What are some of the rules surrounding evidence that can be presented in Court?
The rules of evidence in the Australian Capital Territory are provided in particular in the Evidence Act 2011, which dictates the types of evidence that may be admissible (able to be submitted and relied upon by a party) during a court trial. The laws and rules in the Evidence Act are designed to ensure that only fair and reliable evidence is accepted. Here are some important examples of some of the rules of evidence:
- Evidence must be relevant to the case
- Evidence must not be ‘hearsay'
- Evidence must not be of an opinion (subject to exceptions).
- Evidence that is illegally or improperly obtained may not be admissible.
Conclusion
When presenting your case in Court, properly presenting evidence could make or break your case. Knowing the different types of evidence and their rules is key to understanding—and possibly winning—your case. However, the law regarding what can and can't be relied upon in Court as evidence is complex.
To ensure that the law works for you and not against you, it's best to hire an experienced lawyer to help you with your case.
If you're looking for criminal lawyers and civil lawyers in Canberra to represent you, we're here to help. We're not just lawyers—we're fighters willing to fight for you, with years of experience and expertise to guide us through the most difficult cases. When it comes to fighting for your rights and life, we're the people to call. Contact us now for more information.